Updated at 7:41 am, April 10th, 2014

Peterson spoke during a conference call on Wednesday and said that players like former Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel “are the ones making these universities money” and should receive compensation.

“When I was at Oklahoma, they made so much money,” he added.

Peterson doesn’t agree with NBA commissioner Adam Silver’s statement that college basketball players should stay in school for two years either.

“They’re trying to make basketball players go two years in college. Wow. I wonder why?” Peterson said. “Think about it — just imagine if LeBron James had been in college for two years. How much money would that college have made off LeBron James? They would have made so much money off LeBron James. It’s about the freedom to do as you want and make your own decisions.”

Peterson pointed out that athletes have a life outside of playing sports.

“Nobody wants to live in the dorms for four years,” Peterson said. “You see the guys who are older, and they have responsibilities. I feel like, as much money as universities make, some of that should come down to the players, as well.”

“These bowl games? Without the players, how much money do they make? None. You know, without the players, how much money do they make? They make no money without the players.”